Museo Alameda could lose city funds

Cultural Arts Board recommends no money.

By Elda Silvalsilva@express-news.net

Updated 5:40 am, Wednesday, August 31, 2011

A View of The Museo Alameda, May 3, 2010.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

A View of The Museo Alameda, May 3, 2010.

San Antonio artist Andy Benevides interpreted the gate through which Francisco Madero made his triumphant entry into Mexico City in June 1911, after having been exiled in San Antonio, for the new exhibition, Revolution & Renaissance, Mexico & San Antonio, 1910-2010, at the Museo Alameda. Photographed Tuesday, November 23, 2010.

A 1920s throne from the Aztec Theater on St. Mary�s Street is an example of artistic influence that Mexico had on San Antonio in the period during and after the revoution. The chair is part of the Revolution & Renaissance: Mexico & San Antonio 1910 - 2010 exhibition at Museo Alameda, which opens on November 20. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, Express-News

A 1920s throne from the Aztec Theater on St. Mary�s Street is an...

Hand carved throne from the Aztec Theatre is part of the new exhibition, Revolution & Renaissance, Mexico & San Antonio, 1910-2010, at the Museo Alameda. Photographed Tuesday, November 23, 2010. UTSA beat Troy 81-70.

Photo: JENNIFER WHITNEY, Express-News

Hand carved throne from the Aztec Theatre is part of the new...

Jimmy James Canales and Maria Palma are among the six young San Antonio artists have been given 24/7 access to the Museo Alameda's first floor Smithsonian Gallery for a show opening on April 28. HELEN L. MONTOYA/hmontoya@express-news.net

Photo: HELEN L. MONTOYA, Express-News

Jimmy James Canales and Maria Palma are among the six young San...

An anonymous 1930 photograph of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo is part of the new exhibition, Revolution & Renaissance, Mexico & San Antonio, 1910-2010, at the Museo Alameda. Photographed Tuesday, November 23, 2010.

Photo: JENNIFER WHITNEY, Express-News

An anonymous 1930 photograph of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo is...

A View of The Museo Alameda Monday May 3, 2010.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, Express-News

A View of The Museo Alameda Monday May 3, 2010.

Many photos of Mexican revolutionary leaders including Francisco Madero, Venustiano Carranza, Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa are part of the Revolution & Renaissance: Mexico & San Antonio 1910 - 2010 exhibition at Museo Alameda, which opens on November 20. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, Express-News

Many photos of Mexican revolutionary leaders including Francisco...

A banner is placed on a display wall for the Revolution & Renaissance: Mexico & San Antonio 1910 - 2010 exhibition at Museo Alameda, which opens on November 20. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net elda silva story

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, Express-News

A banner is placed on a display wall for the Revolution &...

A painted screen by muralist Roberto Montenegro is part of the Revolution & Renaissance: Mexico & San Antonio 1910 - 2010 exhibition at Museo Alameda, which opens on November 20. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net elda silva story

Gabriel Velasquez (Friend), Jesse Trevino (Artist, ene on N), George Cortez and Ricardo Mendoza (Friends) were at the VIP reception for the "Mi Vida" exhibit on 10/21/2009 at the Museo Alameda. This is #1 of 2 photos. names checked photo by leland a. outz

Photo: LELAND A. OUTZ, Express-News

Gabriel Velasquez (Friend), Jesse Trevino (Artist, ene on N),...

A View of The Museo Alameda Monday May 3, 2010.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, Express-News

A View of The Museo Alameda Monday May 3, 2010.

Jimmy James Canales and Maria Palma are among the six young San Antonio artists have been given 24/7 access to the Museo Alameda's first floor Smithsonian Gallery for a show opening on April 28. HELEN L. MONTOYA/hmontoya@express-news.net

Jennifer Velasquez and Gianna Velasquez (Niece) were at the "Mi Vida" VIP exhibit and reception on 10/21/2009 at the Museo Alameda. This is #2 of 2 photos. names checked photo by leland a. outz

Photo: LELAND A. OUTZ, Express-News

Jennifer Velasquez and Gianna Velasquez (Niece) were at the "Mi...

Former Mexican President Vicente Fox and his wife Marta Sahagun de Fox examines the Frida Kahlo, Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray exhibit at the Museo Alameda Thursday Aug. 20, 2009. The couple were attending the "La Epoca de Oro" fundraising gala celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Alameda Theater.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, Express-News

Former Mexican President Vicente Fox and his wife Marta Sahagun de...

Jim Graham, Ford Motor Company Fund director, announces $1.5 million to support non-profits and educational initiatives in the San Antonio area at the Museo Alameda on Thursday, August 20, 2009. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Express-News

Jim Graham, Ford Motor Company Fund director, announces $1.5...

Eva Ybarra strikes up a tune at the American Sabor exhibit at Museo Alameda with Eva Ybarra and Able Epstein. June 25, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

Eva Ybarra strikes up a tune at the American Sabor exhibit at Museo...

San Antonio artist Jesse Trevino, a Vietnam War veteran, will soon have a retrospective of his art at the Museo Alameda. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net ELDA SILVA STORYArtist Jesse Trevino lost his painting hand to an injury suffered in Vietnam. He has created many prominent works around San Antonio. He's preparing for the Oct. 22 opening of �Mi Vida: The First Retrospective� at the Museo Alameda, where he's the first artist to have a Smithsonian retrospective at the premier Latino museum. His work has been featured in the Smithsonian's American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. Oct. 7, 2009. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net ELDA SILVA STORYArtist Jesse Trevino lost his painting hand to an injury suffered in Vietnam. He's preparing for the Oct. 22 opening of �Mi Vida: The First Retrospective� at the Museo Alameda, where he's the first artist to have a Smithsonian retrospective at the premier Latino museum. His work has been featured in the Smithsonian's American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. Oct. 7, 2009. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net ELDA SILVA STORY

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, Express-News

San Antonio artist Jesse Trevino, a Vietnam War veteran, will soon...

The art show �Jesse Trevi�o: Mi Vida,� runs at Museo Alameda until Feb. 28. It includes many works that have never been publicly displayed. Nov. 20, 2009. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, Express-News

The art show �Jesse Trevi�o: Mi Vida,� runs at Museo Alameda...

American Sabor at Museo Alameda with Eva Ybarra and Able Epstein. June 25, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

American Sabor at Museo Alameda with Eva Ybarra and Able Epstein....

American Sabor at Museo Alameda with Eva Ybarra and Able Epstein. June 25, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

American Sabor at Museo Alameda with Eva Ybarra and Able Epstein....

Able Epstein checks out some of his record labels on display at the American Sabor at Museo Alameda . June 25, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

Able Epstein checks out some of his record labels on display at the...

American Sabor at Museo Alameda with Eva Ybarra and Able Epstein. June 25, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

American Sabor at Museo Alameda with Eva Ybarra and Able Epstein....

Sylvia Wade wheels in her mother Audrae Adams, 102 at the Museo Alemeda on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2007. Adams is greeted by Nettie Hinton, a local activist with the African American Leadership Council.

Photo: DELCIA LOPEZ, Express-News

Sylvia Wade wheels in her mother Audrae Adams, 102 at the Museo...

Producer/Director Carlos Sandoval (left) and Co-Producer Peter Miller (right) listen to introductions at the World Premiere of the film "A Class Apart" at the Museo Alameda Monday February 2, 2009.

Guests line up for the World Premiere of the film "A Class Apart" at the Museo Alameda Monday February 2, 2009.

Photo: ROBERT MCLEROY, Express-News

Guests line up for the World Premiere of the film "A Class Apart"...

The Museo Alameda show "Latin American Posters: Public Aesthetics and Mass Politics" is seen Friday morning April 18, 2008. The show runs through June 29.

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER, Express-News

The Museo Alameda show "Latin American Posters: Public Aesthetics...

Vincent Valdez's work hangs at the Museo Alameda Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007. Vincent Valdez and Alex Rubio are having a joint show at the Museo Alameda. Nicole Fruge/San Antonio Express News

Photo: NICOLE FRUGE, Express-News

Vincent Valdez's work hangs at the Museo Alameda Tuesday, Dec. 11,...

The Museo Alameda show "Latin American Posters: Public Aesthetics and Mass Politics" is seen Friday morning April 18, 2008. The show runs through June 29.

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER, Express-News

The Museo Alameda show "Latin American Posters: Public Aesthetics...

Burbank High students mural of the Virgin Mary at Museo Alameda Saturday MArch 22.2008. DELCIA LOPEZ/STAFF

Photo: DELCIA LOPEZ, Express-News

Burbank High students mural of the Virgin Mary at Museo Alameda...

The Museo Alameda show "Latin American Posters: Public Aesthetics and Mass Politics" is seen Friday morning April 18, 2008. The show runs through June 29.

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER, Express-News

The Museo Alameda show "Latin American Posters: Public Aesthetics...

Vincent Valdez's work hangs at the Museo Alameda Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007. Vincent Valdez and Alex Rubio are having a joint show at the Museo Alameda. Nicole Fruge/San Antonio Express News

Photo: NICOLE FRUGE, Express-News

Vincent Valdez's work hangs at the Museo Alameda Tuesday, Dec. 11,...

Alex Rubio talks about his work which is part of the Pride of the Southside en el mero hueso, an exhibition featuring Rubio and Vincent Valdez, at the Museo Alameda. This two-man exhibition explores the early San Antonio relationship between Alex Rubio as mentor and Vincent Valdez as student and tracks the pair's growth as collaborative and individual artists. Helen L. Montoya/Staff

Photo: HELEN L. MONTOYA, Express-News

Alex Rubio talks about his work which is part of the Pride of the...

Eva Ybarra looks over her accordian at the American Sabor exhibit at Museo Alameda. June 25, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

Eva Ybarra looks over her accordian at the American Sabor exhibit...

Founding Chairman of the Museo Alameda Henry Munoz III watches the World Premiere of the film "A Class Apart" at the Museo Alameda Monday February 2, 2009.

Photo: ROBERT MCLEROY, Express-News

Founding Chairman of the Museo Alameda Henry Munoz III watches the...

SA LIFE A portrait of Lydia Mendoza from 2004 is displayed at the American Sabor exhibition at Museo Alameda with Eva Ybarra and Able Epstein. June 25, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

SA LIFE A portrait of Lydia Mendoza from 2004 is displayed at the...

The Museo Alameda exhibit "Myths, Mortals and Immortality: Work from Museo Soumaya de Mexico" is a eight month exhibit featuring works from the 16th to 20th century. Shot June 24, 2008. MARIANA QUEVEDO/mquevedo@express-news.net

Photo: MARIANA QUEVEDO, Express-News

The Museo Alameda exhibit "Myths, Mortals and Immortality: Work...

The Museo Alameda exhibit "Myths, Mortals and Immortality: Work from Museo Soumaya de Mexico" is a eight month exhibit featuring works from the 16th to 20th century. Shot June 24, 2008. MARIANA QUEVEDO/mquevedo@express-news.net

Photo: MARIANA QUEVEDO, Express-News

The Museo Alameda exhibit "Myths, Mortals and Immortality: Work...

Luis de la Garza and Sonya Medina look at the freshly unveiled logo for the South Texas Hispanic Fund Tuesday evening at the Museo Almedo. South Texas Hispanic Fund logo unveiled at Museo Almeda. Tom Reel/Staff February 12, 2008.

Photo: TOM REEL, Express-News

Luis de la Garza and Sonya Medina look at the freshly unveiled...

CON Henry Munzo, founding chairman of Museo Alameda, speaks, at the media preview for the exhibit "Myths, Mortals, and Immortality: Works from Mouseo Soumaya de Mexico" June 24, 2008. MARIANA QUEVEDO/mquevedo@express-news.net

Photos used in the film "A Class Apart" adorn the walls at the Museo Alameda Monday February 2, 2009.

Photo: ROBERT MCLEROY, Express-News

Photos used in the film "A Class Apart" adorn the walls at the...

Placard on display at the World Premiere of film "A Class Apart" at the Museo Alameda Monday February 2, 2009.

Photo: ROBERT MCLEROY, Express-News

Placard on display at the World Premiere of film "A Class Apart" at...

Co-Producer Peter Miller (right) speaks following the World Premiere of the film "A Class Apart" at the Museo Alameda Producer/Director Carlos Sandoval (left) listens. Monday February 2, 2009.

Photo: ROBERT MCLEROY, Express-News

Co-Producer Peter Miller (right) speaks following the World...

Museo Alameda

Photo: Express-News

Museo Alameda

Interim Executive Director of Museo Alameda Eliseo Rios (at podium) comments following the World Premiere of film "A Class Apart" produced and directed by Carlos Sandoval (left) at the Museo Alameda Monday February 2, 2009.

Standing between Miguel Cabrera's "The Holy Trinity," left, and Jose de Perez' "The Holy Virgin of El Carmen with Saints Joseph and Therese," Tracey Kiluk takes in The Museo Alameda's "Myth, Mortals and Immortality" exhibit on Wednesday, June 25, 2008. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net

Photo: JERRY LARA, Express-News

Standing between Miguel Cabrera's "The Holy Trinity," left, and...

The Museo Alameda is opening an exhibit on June 25, 2008 called "Myths, Mortals and Immortality: Works from Mouseo Soumaya de Mexico". This will be an eight month series, exhibiting 80 pieces. MARIANA QUEVEDO/mquevedo@express-news.net

Photo: MARIANA QUEVEDO, Express-News

The Museo Alameda is opening an exhibit on June 25, 2008 called...

People make their way to the museum entrance Saturday, April 14, 2007 at the opening weekend of the Museo Alameda. BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/STAFF`

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, Express-News

People make their way to the museum entrance Saturday, April 14,...

A national exhibition on the life of salsa singer Celia Cruz is on display at the Museo Alameda,Tuesday, October 2, 2007. Nicole Fruge/San Antonio Express News

Photo: NICOLE FRUGE, Express-News

A national exhibition on the life of salsa singer Celia Cruz is on...

A neon sign of "Conjunto" marks the entrance to the photo display by the same name, by John Dyer at Museo Alameda, Wednesday, April 11, 2007. Photo Bob Owen

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

A neon sign of "Conjunto" marks the entrance to the photo display...

A sign greets visitors Saturday, April 14, 2007 at the opening weekend of the Museo Alameda. BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/STAFF

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, Express-News

A sign greets visitors Saturday, April 14, 2007 at the opening...

Sculpture entitled The Prophet, in the sculpture garden at the the Museo Alameda del Smithsonian. Helen L. Montoya/Staff

Photo: HELEN L. MONTOYA, Express-News

Sculpture entitled The Prophet, in the sculpture garden at the the...

A guest walks past photos by John Dyer at the Alameda, the nation's largest museum dedicated to Latino culture and art, in San Antonio, Wednesday, April 11, 2007. The new museum opens to the public Friday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Photo: Eric Gay, Express-News

A guest walks past photos by John Dyer at the Alameda, the nation's...

The Day of the Dead muerte "puppets is what Ricahrd Diaz is known for which he created inside the workshop studio at the Annex Guadalupe Theater. Diaz will enetrtain the folks at the opening of the new Alameda this coming Friday. DELCIA LOPEZ/STAFF

Marisol Deluna, a fashion designer in New York walks past a photo exhibit by John Dyer at the Museo Alameda del Smithsonian as it opened it's doors to the media, Friday, Feb. 16, 2007. photo Bob Owen

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

Marisol Deluna, a fashion designer in New York walks past a photo...

Final construction of the Museo Americano overseen by Centro Alameda, Inc. in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution is put on hold until a large-summed gift from an undisclosed contributor comes through at a later date. The museum will house exhibits focused on the Latin Culture and will also show traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian as well according to Ruth Medellin, executive director of Centro Alameda, Inc. (Kin Man Hui/staff)

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, Express-News

Final construction of the Museo Americano overseen by Centro...

Artists Alex Rubio and Vincent Valdez's work hangs at the Museo Alameda Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007. Vincent Valdez and Alex Rubio are having a joint show at the Museo Alameda. Nicole Fruge/San Antonio Express News

A couple walks past the uncompleted Museo Americano overseen by Centro Alameda, Inc. in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution on Thursday, July 28, 2005. The museum's final construction is awaiting a gift from an undisclosed contributor. The museum is located at Market Square. (Kin Man Hui/staff)

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, Express-News

A couple walks past the uncompleted Museo Americano overseen by...

Artists Alex Rubio and Vincent Valdez's work hangs at the Museo Alameda Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007. Vincent Valdez and Alex Rubio are having a joint show at the Museo Alameda. Nicole Fruge/San Antonio Express News

Photo: NICOLE FRUGE, Express-News

Artists Alex Rubio and Vincent Valdez's work hangs at the Museo...

The Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture celebrate Cinco de Mayo with music from Trio los Tres in downtown historic San Antonio Friday May 5, 2006. DELCIA LOPEZ/STAFF

Photo: DELCIA LOPEZ, Express-News

The Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture celebrate...

Vincent Valdez's work hangs at the Museo Alameda Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007. Vincent Valdez and Alex Rubio are having a joint show at the Museo Alameda. Nicole Fruge/San Antonio Express News

Photo: NICOLE FRUGE, Express-News

Vincent Valdez's work hangs at the Museo Alameda Tuesday, Dec. 11,...

Alex Rubio, in picture, and his protege, Vincent Valdez, unite to present the art show "San Anto: Pride of the Southside / En el Mero Hueso" at the Museo Alameda in San Antonio. BILLY CALZADA / STAFF

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, Express-News

Alex Rubio, in picture, and his protege, Vincent Valdez, unite to...

Installation gear sits at the Museo Alameda Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007. Vincent Valdez and Alex Rubio are having a joint show at the Museo Alameda. Nicole Fruge/San Antonio Express News

Last week, the Cultural Arts Board presented a preliminary recommendation of zero funding for the arts organization based on a panel review of its application. The board, which serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council, will deliberate on its final recommendations next week.

Arts funding, which comes from the Hotel Occupancy Tax fund, is part of the budget that will go before the City Council on Sept. 15.

It’s another potential setback for the museum founded by Henry R. Muñoz III, which has been plagued by financial problems since it opened in 2007. Last year, the city approved a $450,000 bailout to keep the museum open, assuming all of the institution’s maintenance, security and utility bills for 18 months under a memorandum of understanding due to expire at the end of September.

With a bare-bones current annual budget of $500,000, the museum in Market Square was eligible to apply for $176,000 for the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years. It was competing for dollars along with the Witte Museum, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and the Carver Community Cultural Center, among other institutions. In the previous two-year funding cycle, the Museo Alameda received $359,000.

“We’re trying to turn this organization around, and it’s obstacles like this that make it more challenging, but I’m not discouraged,” board chairman Rolando Pablos said. “I have every confidence that the board will change its decision and really take a look at this museum. It’s in a precarious situation. It’s a special case. You can’t pigeonhole the museum, and you really can’t put us in a situation where we’re being judged on our past performance. ... Given all the wonderful things we’ve done in the last year, to simply take away funding is to cut us off at the knees when we’re about to take off.”

The fact that the museum has presented only one major exhibit this year hurt it in the review process, said Felix Padrón, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs, which oversees the arts funding process.

“Revolution & Renaissance: Mexico & San Antonio 1910-2010,” an exhibit of art and artifacts from the collection of businessman Lance Aaron, has been on display since November of last year.

“We also looked at their most current audit, which was not that favorable,” Padrón said. “They still portrayed the agency as facing a challenge financially.”

Arts funding applicants are scored in four categories: artistic and cultural merit; community involvement, outreach and diversity; financial position and administrative ability; and marketing and promotion.

The museum received 62 points out of a possible 100 in the review process. It also received an additional three points — awarded to organizations that provide services to ethnically specific populations or underserved communities — for a total of 65 points. The threshold score for arts funding this cycle is 75.

Every other organization in the city-owned facility agency category received a recommendation for funding, ranging from $91,500 for Centro Cultural Aztlan to about $540,000 for the Symphony Society of San Antonio.

“The bottom line is we’re following a process that implements policy and guidelines adopted by City Council, and based on those policies and guidelines, which dictate a specific review with specific criteria, unfortunately they didn’t fare well,” Padrón said. “But at the end of the day, it’s just a recommendation to City Council, and City Council ultimately has the final decision on whether to accept the recommendations or not.”

Councilman Diego Bernal, who represents District 1, where the museum is located, said the funding recommendation is not a “done deal.”

“I understand that it’s had its problems, and I understand people’s frustrations,” Bernal said. “At the same time, I just got elected and I’d like an opportunity to preserve something that I believe is a cultural asset to the city. I want my chance.”

The Museo Alameda currently is in the process of developing a new exhibition, “Tequila, the Spirit of Mexico,” which will explore the history and cultural impact of the alcoholic beverage. It is set to open in May.

The show, with its potential to attract big-league sponsors and generate funds as a traveling exhibition, is a major part of Pablos’ plan to right the organization.

“We would love to have the city continue to be our partner and continue to help us turn this around, but if it’s the city’s desire not to do so, I’ll respect that, and I’ll move forward,” he said. “This is just another setback that I know I can overcome. There’s been worse.”

Pablos became chairman in 2010. He inherited the troubled institution from Margarita Flores, who became head of the board when Muñoz stepped down in 2009.

“This is not really in our opinion a reflection on the good work that Rolando Pablos has done,” Padrón said. “We all understand that he has done an incredible job in trying to salvage a sinking ship, and I think he’s been able to do some things that have kept the Museo alive.”